Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert likely will not play in Thursday night’s matchup against the Raiders after he fractured his right index finger in Sunday’s loss to the Broncos, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday morning.
It’s unknown whether Herbert will be sidelined, or for how long, as he waits to meet with doctors to learn the specific extent of his injury.
However, Chargers coach Brandon Staley wouldn’t go so far as to rule out Herbert out for Thursday’s game when speaking to reporters Monday morning.
“He’s as tough as they come, but we’re going to make sure that whatever it is, we’re going to do what’s best for Justin long term,” Staley said. “Certainly there’s nothing more important than that, than his right hand and his long-term future. He’s 25 years old. He’s got a really, really bright future in front of him. Every decision is going to be with that in mind.”
Herbert was taken out of Sunday’s game in the second quarter after he appeared to hurt his throwing hand. His backup, Easton Stick, finished out the game, which the Chargers lost, 24–7. Stick could be named the starter for the first time in his career on Thursday.
That means Thursday Night Football could be a battle of backup quarterbacks as the Raiders have started Aidan O’Connell for the past month. Previous Las Vegas starter Jimmy Garoppolo was benched after head coach Josh McDaniels was fired.
This is the second time this season that Herbert has fractured a finger. Earlier this season, Herbert suffered a fractured middle finger on his non-throwing hand, but it didn’t cause him to miss any games.
The Chargers (5–8) play at the Raiders (5–8) at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, with the broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.
